Pole-vault Paradise

"The gate is open. Young athletes come through the backyard, walk past the swimming pool and step into pole-vaulting nirvana at the Queen Creek home of Dean and Jill Starkey..." -By Richard Obert, The Republic|azcentral.com

Welcome to AZPVA

AZPVA is a place where pole-vaulters of all ages come to train to be the best they can possibly be. The academy is coached by former world class vaulter and World Championships Bronze medalist Dean Starkey as well as aspiring Olympic hopeful Kasey Burlingham.

Beginners are welcome! If you are new to, or have never tried pole-vaulting, we can get you started. A semi-private session is highly recommended for first timers and beginners new to our club in order to expedite the initial learning process. Give us a call for more information.

We offer a variety of club training, camps, clinic and retreat options to fit your ability level, budget and schedule.

A Little About Us

Dean Starkey is a former world class pole-vaulter jumping over 19 feet 5 inches". His accomplishments include 2 time NCAA champion for University of Illinois, 1986 World University Silver medalist, 1997 World Championships Bronze medalist Athens, Greece. During the mid to late nineties he was the pole-vault coach for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he coached many vaulters over 18 feet. Dean is the father of Garrett Starkey (17 feet), the 2 time Arizona State Champion.

Jill Starkey is a former world class pole-vaulter jumping over 14 feet 1 inch. Her accomplishments include 2000 Olympic trials finalist, 4th ranked USA vaulter in 1999 and winning the Gold Medal at the World Masters Championships in 2011. She was former college multi-event coach at South Dakota University.